Leisure treasure
Mona

In this era of stress and anxiety, pursuing a hobby or two in one's free time is certainly the way to go...

Either immersing in reading classics or backpacking for a trip around the world, different individuals go for different pursuits in life. While some find music relaxing, others take recourse to sports. While January is the month of new beginnings, it is also celebrated as a 'hobby' month worldwide.

We endeavour to find out what is it that's keeps people hooked, happy and healthy in a world that offers mind-boggling anxiety!

Language love

Learning Spanish language is what Sarthak Aggarwal, a young entrepreneur, has picked up for a hobby. "A language opens up so many new doors, access to people and authors; Spain happens to be my favourite destination. I can explore it so much better with the knowledge of Spanish," says Sarthak, co-founder and director, Cue Blocks Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

He is enjoying learning through Livemocha, an online language resource and practicing with his Spanish-speaking friends. So far it has been going good and this is what Sarthak intends to master in 2013. Last year, it was playing ultimate Frisbee, the fastest growing sport that he picked up!

Cooking delight

Long work hours leave Dr Monica, a gynaecologist at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, with little energy, but she takes respite in cooking meals. Cooking is a natural de-stressor, mood-enhancer and so is the deep connection that she shares with her family. "For me, cooking is an instant mood-lifter and also very satisfying. The appreciation I get makes my day," says Monica. She is happy making Indian, Chinese and Continental delicacies, and picks up inspiration whereever she gets it from - television, Internet or magazines.

While during her college life she pursued more than one hobby, for now she wants to stick to dishing out culinary delights!

Travel bug

DJ Gaurav is surrounded with music, but it's travelling that keep him enthused. A hobby that he picked up at 16 when he got his bike, he has been enjoying travelling ever since. "My first voyage was to Shimla," he recalls, theatrically. And, then, it has been hills, beaches and more. In his five-year-stint in Italy, where he worked, Gaurav explored the Italian terrain in whichever way he could; back home now he has graduated to a car. "In Italy, I would reach the station and take the very first train that came by. It was huge fun," he exclaims. Fun he has on the wheels now; in fact, not long ago he travelled to Goa from Chandigarh by road along with friends. As for 2013, he wants to pursue just two passions - deejaying at Lava Bar, The Taj, Chandigarh, and travelling.

Nature cure

Spending whatever little time she gets off from her duties as assistant professor at the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, and her family, Anjali Aggarwal loves to gaze the kingfisher that lives on a tree in the college pond as well as the hornbill family that throngs the woods at the back of the college! Along with her daughter Gaurangi, she loves to spend time gazing at the parrots or peacocks at the parks in Sector 21 and 39. "Observation is a key skill in an artist. Also, bird-watching is so therapeutic. It's the birds that enjoy different seasons - be it summer or winter. "Communicating with them is ethereal," says Anjali, who also loves music.

Music mantra

Western music is what Rumina Sethi picked up for life apart from the education in England. Part of the music society at Trinity College during the late 80s, Rumina not only learnt how to play the piano, but the regular concerts also left her quite influenced. And she has a wonderful Western classical library today! "Music has a meditative quality. At the end of the day, one does need to indulge in a passion that gives inner peace and happiness," says Rumina, professor at the Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University. This year, she plans to go boating more often and mountaineering in the hills!

Movie buff

Young Tishaa Khosla is a DVD queen. Name a Hollywood or Bollywood flick and chances are she has seen it more than once. Well, with an average of two movies a day, generally, one gets to that point! A sucker for romantic comedies and young adult soaps, Tisha loves to explore not so popular ones as well. "Movies give me exposure to the world at large. How people live, perceive and act is what I have learnt sitting right at home," says Tishaa, who loves to read and write equally well.

mona@tribunemail.com

Notes of protest
Ashima Batish

Amateur rapper Nikhil Sharma has vented his ire against the Delhi incident through a song

Candlelight marches, protests, street-plays; through whatever medium people could, they have expressed their shock, grief and anger against the Delhi gangrape incident in a hope to bring about some change. Likewise, a youngster, Nikhil Sharma from Ludhiana, too has contributed his bit. An amateur rapper, he has written and sung a track to highlight the issue.

Titled O Re Khuda, Nikhil aka Nik B, which he uses as his stage name, wrote and composed the song in just two days. "I was so moved by the unfortunate incident that it happened spontaneously. Otherwise it takes me two months to complete a track but in this case, the reaction was instant." He got inputs on how people were protesting from his friends in Delhi. "This was the only way it could express my grief over the incident."

Composed less than a week ago, the track has already received over 400 hits online. "Seventy per cent of them have come from women. I also feel that more men should have listened to the song because they should be sensitised towards this issue."

His earlier tracks have all been about the usual youth-related subjects —friendship, love and fights. This is for the first time that he has come out with a number that has social relevance. "This is kind of a wake-up call. A society that can't respect women has no right to claim itself as developing."

In the track, he has included gory incidents that have happened with women during the riots of 1984. "And I realised nothing has changed in the last 29 years; we are still the same uncivilized, insensitive society. Eve-teasing is still rampant, women are still exploited, I fail to understand how India is shining."

Pursuing MBA from Punjab Technical University, he started rapping three years back. He says it is an effective medium to spread awareness on socially relevant issues. On an average, close to 100 rappers upload their tracks on Youtube from Punjab alone. "It's become a rage; why not exploit it for the good of people."

ashima@tribunemail.com

Living a dream
Mona

The Indian Idol 6 winner Vipul Mehta is out to make the most of the opportunities that come with the title. And, he wants to live up to it…

Focused, calm and calculated is Vipul Mehta, Amritsar boy, who won audiences' heart with his versatile style of singing. Post the Indian Idol 6 win, Vipul is slowly but steadily inching towards his big goal — playback singing.

Having already recorded with Anu Malik and Salim Sulaiman, Vipul has also brought out his first album Hello, Namaste, Sat Sri Akal. In Chandigarh on Friday for the album release, Vipul stands serene answering all the questions bombarded at him--from abusive lyrics to reality shows and the pressure they put the contestants under. Here's this 21-year-old unplugged…

Debut album

Hello, Namaste, Sat Sri Akal is my way to knock at the audiences' heart once again. Here I am with an album which is the result of my labour of 13 years. By Universal Music Group, the seven songs in the album cater to different moods —romance, sadness, festivity and more!

Winning moment

I tried my luck thrice before finally winning a reality show. There was this feeling that I had to win this title. I got criticised a lot for trying and losing again and again, but I followed my heart, gave my best, practised till three in the morning, tried a different song each week and by the grace of God, the dream did come true.

Strong support

I have, in fact, lived my father's dream. He was a good singer and sang during his college days, but eventually became a businessman. He noticed my talent and put me in classical training when I was eight. My family is immensely proud of me today, yet, they are the best critics. They are the ones who keep me grounded through my ups and downs.

Reality shows

I am all for it. They are the best platform, the fastest way to get identity. I learnt a lot on the go. Yes, the success can sway young minds, it's for the individual to keep focused. I get shows today, but I ensure that after each one, I pick up the tanpura and do some riyaaz. Ultimately, it's riyaaz that sails a singer through.

Singing first

Like every other winner, I too got loads of offers to host, write songs and compose music, but I am interested in just singing. My talim continues under my guru. And, I do hope to make it big in playback singing. And, hopefully sing for my idol Sunny Deol some day!

More to life

Apart from music I love cars. I have set apart a spare sum from my prize money for a car. I also loved studying mass communication for my graduation. I do intend to pursue masters in that.

Social responsibility

Music has a soulful quality. We have had item numbers, even they observe limits. I am all against abusive language in music. I would certainly do an item number but also ensure that I never cross the fine line between naughty and nasty.

mona@tribunemail.com

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The temptation to help out a friend with a loan should be discussed with your partner first. Today you can become conscious of your projected fears and start letting go of negative patterns. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from coming to their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32 

TAURUS: Your boss/partner supports you. It is the right time to purchase something that adds to the value of your house. Working toward your goals may seem a little harder than usual. Don't panic.Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youthful origin. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 52

GEMINI: Do not try to hurry jobs that require meticulous handling. Arguments may arise with your mate or partner. Consult the experts when cash questions come up. Finalise plans as early as possible. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 64

CANCER: You draw "The Emperor", so the day promises all the comforts. Spare time for family and children. It should be much easier for you to meet challenges. Stay tuned in to the work at hand and you will be that much wiser. Tarot message: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 53 

LEO: An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. Practice deep breathing so that you can maintain your composure and avoid a confrontation. A desire to retreat to the comfort of your own home could be overwhelming. Tarot message: You must learn to accept responsibility. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 40

VIRGO: The card "The Moon" indicates an emotional set-back. Stick to what you know and understand. Money problems will still prevail. Children: enjoy with your friends. Legal suits turn in your favour. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61

LIBRA: At work, a colleague steers you into a new direction. Financial rewards may get delayed. Love stars are behind the clouds. A small celebration at home is likely. Professionals: you need a break. Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26

SCORPIO: Get cracking early. What you need now is energy. You must push yourself harder. Be careful with money. An irresistible attraction to someone you know can override your common sense. Tarot message: Plan your life better. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 47

SAGITTARIUS: Your card "The Nine of Cups" reveals inner strength. Guys: do not take any risk on the road. Arguments may arise with your spouse or partner over money. Love life is exciting. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 65

CAPRICORN: Your card promises a progressive day. Health problems can be satisfactorily attended to. Personal plans are likely to progress without too much opposition. Be straight when dealing with employment affairs. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50

AQUARIUS: Business is likely between you and your associates. Long-term benefits can be gained. Attempt to improve your health will be successful. Your mind can wander on the job and cause unnecessary mistakes. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 62

PISCES: Entrepreneurs will go through an anxious period. The married or those in love will find the day exciting. Students: success in competitive sports is assured. A lot of energy will be expended on communication today. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Aqua-blue.Magic number: 45

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 5...

The year 2013 will be highly dynamic; the feeling of failure will be nowhere near you. It is true that you will come to terms with occasional phases of loneliness, but then the year also offers the much-needed spirit and power to fight back the same. You will express affection for your loved ones and react in an over-sensitive manner if anybody hurts your feelings. Towards the beginning of the year, you will find your energy level on the lower side. Do not get disheartened because soon you will be able to regain your strength.

If you are serious about succeeding in your personal and professional life, focus on the groundwork. If that is done, everything will fall in place. On the other hand, you will experience stressful consequences if you have shirked from your responsibilities in any manner. A certain business proposal, which had fizzled out earlier, gets revived and on more beneficial terms. You should concentrate on your work and derive maximum advantage from the current, favourable, planetary trends.

The Stars will fill you with energy and you'll want to bring about changes in your job. Do not be in too much of a rush — use your time wisely. Work-wise, you will experience slight disagreements caused by some task given to an unqualified worker. The Stars recommend lucidity.

There is likely to be some disagreement between you and your parents regarding a family matter. Do not get provoked into an argument for this could lead to an unpleasant situation at home. Working women will find 2013 a bit strenuous. Financially, it will be an extremely beneficial. Don't put off the important tasks in hand. Some of you will go abroad and that will be a new beginning to your career. Friends are the best source of joy.

Mood: Busy and productive

Compatible signs: Pisces, Capricorn, Aries

Lucky colours: Yellow, Pink

Lucky days: Wednesday.

Lucky numbers: 11, 15, 21, 22, 25

 Deepika Padukone You share your birthday with Deepika Padukone (January 5, 1986, Copenhagen, Denmark), who made her Hindi film debut with Om Shanti Om that earned her the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award. Her father, Prakash Padukone, is a retired badminton player of international repute. Deepika's Love Aaj Kal proved to be one of the biggest hits of 2009. Karthik Calling Karthik, Housefull, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey and Break Ke Baad are some of her notable films. She appeared in Cocktail and earned unanimous critical appreciation for her performance.

Chatter box
Karan, Pooja don comedy hat

Fun time: Karan and Pooja
Fun time: Karan and Pooja

SAB TV ropes in Karan Grover and Pooja Pihal in their latest show Hum Aapke Hain In-laws. This will be his first stint ever with comedy, where he'll be seen playing a husband who is head over heels in love with his wife, even after years of marriage. As for Pooja, who has played popular characters in serials such as Pavitra Rishta and Beend Banoongaa Ghodi Chadhunga, this is also her first tyrst with comedy.

Karan, with his charming looks and pleasing personality, is well-known for playing intense, passionate characters. He is now experimenting with the genre of comedy, which will surely win over the hearts of people. Being an engineer, transition to acting wasn't all that easy for Karan. Yet he succeeded in getting the lead roles for some of the most celebrated shows on Indian television.

Karan tells us more about his progression as an actor and his character in his latest SAB TV comedy, "I am playing Gulshan Grover in the show. My role is of a husband who loves his wife so much that he'll even agree to her unreasonable demands. Every time he fails to voice his opinion, a song plays in his head that's apt to describe his pitiable state. My character is hilarious because my acts are always very innocently and unintentionally funny! I have never tried my hand at humour. Comedy is all about timing. I have tried my best and now I hope my audience likes me in my new avatar."

Adds Pooja, "I'm excited to play the role of Damini Grover in Hum Aapke Hai In-laws; this is my first experience in the comedy genre. I've always wanted to work with Ashwini Dhir and it's a dream come true for me.”

Noisy issue

Role change: Sargun Mehta and inset Shweta Tewari
Role change: Sargun Mehta and inset Shweta Tewari

Child artiste Sparsh aka young Iccha from Uttaran, who is currently seen in Parvarrish, is upset with her society members. A source close to her says during any festival loud music is played till late and therefore she can't get proper rest, which is why she apparently isn't staying at her place.

Shweta’s gain

As Sargun Mehta is busy with her show Kya Hua Tera Vaada and Nach Baliye, she has opted out of Sony's Comedy Circus. Shweta Tiwari, who is currently seen in Parvarrish, will enter the show after a few episodes.

London times

Karan Tacker's (aka Viren in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai) first trip to London is one that he will never forget. The actor checked out most of the city in the four-five days. Apparently, he loved the city so much that he plans to go there again soon.

Adrenaline rush

One of the most-awaited reality series The Amazing Race is back on AXN with its 21st season.High voltage: Participants in the show The Amazing Race The series features eleven teams of two, each with a pre-existing relationship, in a race around the world. The series is premiering on AXN on January 7, 2013, at 8 pm. The season spanned a little over 40,000 kilometres of travel to three continents and nine countries, including China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Turkey and Netherlands.

High voltage: Participants in the show The Amazing Race

This new season comes with an interesting twist with a 'Double Your Money' prize for the team that comes first in the initial leg, making them eligible to win a total of $2 million dollars. With some nail-biting tasks and exciting travel, don't miss out on the first episode!

Looking for change

After playing the docile businessman Aham in Saath Nibhana Saathiya for a while, actor Mohammad Nazim feels there should be a change. The actor, who has a good physique, hopes he's able to show off his body on the show with an action scene or two. Are the makers listening?

Matru, Bijlee on Comedy Circus

The year 2013 will kick-off in style on Sony Entertainment Television's Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe, as Matru and Bijlee will set the stage on fire with their wacky moves. Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma will grace the stage and leave the viewer's wanting for more with their unique comic timing. This high-voltage episode will see Imran and Anushka in their entire splendor, as they open the show with a small comic act along with Bharti. This high voltage entertainment episode will even see the stars dancing with Krushna, Sudesh and Bharti, leaving the audience in splits. Catch this hilarious and fun-filled episode this Sunday (January 6) only on Sony Entertainment from 10 pm

First-day-first show
Sinister & full of suspense

If you lie, you die…if you win, there is a whopping sum waiting! Director Aditya Datt’s Table No 21 is a thriller, set in Fiji. A couple played by Rajeev Khandelwal and Tena Desae opt to play a sinister game hosted online by Khan (Paresh Rawal). Eight questions followed by tasks make for an interesting thriller. And there is much more to be explored…

Thrilling experience

An awesome thriller where twists and turns fall into place by the climax. The story is somewhat slow but this is about two-hour thriller is a good watch.

— Saksham Sharma, MBA student

Paresh rules

Paresh Rawal is an actor par excellence. He is great in comedy but Table 21 brings in a new dimension in him. It’s only by the end, that one realises his true potential as an actor. A must watch.

Narender Singh, BPO employee

Great combo

The movie is gripping. A serious psychological thriller. Beautiful Fiji locales make an excellent backdrop to a huge, sinister drama that unfolds.

Neeti Chopra, school teacher

Multi-layered drama

A griping story that keeps you glued to your seat. Paresh Rawal and Rajeev Khandelwal impress yet again. The movie moves at more levels than one. Today’s audience would certainly relate to it.

Aditya Kapoor, animation student

— As told to Mona

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Don’t demean yourself
Simmi Waraich

I am a homemaker and I worked for sometime earlier. My mother- in-law taunts me a lot. When she comes she takes over the kitchen and finds faults in everything I do. A few years back my mother just told my in-laws not to say too much to me and after that my husband does not meet my parents. I go and meet my parents alone. Recently, I started having palpitations and my blood pressure rose after one such incident. I am worried that they will try and get my daughter on their side.

Seema, Mohali

Once your daughter is a little older, perhaps you could start working again. If you are living with your husband and right now not working, you can use his money. There is nothing wrong in it. If you were the one earning a regular salary and not him, would you mind him using your money. You are family and that is okay.  Maybe you can work and slowly learn to organise your work by having some help at home. Your daughter can be in a day boarding or if you get home early, she can be with you. Do not jump to conclusions and anticipate the worst by thinking that they will put your daughter in a hostel and what you will do then.

You seem to be saying that if you talk to your in laws they say things to you that are critical and that is making you anxious and your health is getting affected. Do some yoga daily, learn meditation - learn to free yourself of anxious thoughts - If they do say something to you, try and see if it is that important or is it something you can ignore. If it is serious and they say nasty things to you, talk to a relative or friend and weigh your options.

I am a 28-year-old man.  I was molested by a relative when I was 11 years old and it carried on for 2-3 years. I am always thinking about sex but I don’t have a relationship. I feel hesitant with people especially of the opposite sex and have never been able to have a close relationship. Vineet, Chandigarh

Many people have faced sexual abuse as a child. Often they feel that they did not do anything to prevent it. Some even feel that in a way they consented to the abuse by not objecting to it. The fact is as a child, one is not aware of what sex is and sex is a consensual act between two adults who understand the consequences. Exposure to sexual abuse, even if it is just touching or fondling and not the full sexual act is abuse. A child exposed to this may grow up to have sexual problems or be excessively preoccupied with sex or may have a problem being intimate with a partner etc.

If it is affecting your relationships and life, get therapy for some months regularly. It can cause anger or depression or inhibited sexuality in adults. Do get some help.

(Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist. Shoot your problems to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Troubleshooter, Life+Style, The Tribune — 29) 

Doc Talk
Lure for glowing skin
Dr Vikas Sharma

Ageing of the skin is not something any of us can avoid, although it is the most unwelcome change in one’s life. In the crazy drive to maintain youthful looks, people resort to a variety of anti-ageing regimes and skin treatments. Anti-ageing creams play a significant part in this. The market is flooded with a plethora of anti-ageing creams promising miraculous results in removing the signs of ageing forever. The bottom line is that any product claiming to be an anti-ageing supplement is probably too good to be true. As always, you should check with the doctor before taking any kind of supplement or medication. The other problem is, most of us don't know when to start using the anti-ageing products.

Slow Down, don't reverse

Anti-ageing products are not really supposed to reverse everything, and that's a reality we are all going to have to face. They are not "un-ageing" products after all.

When you start noticing the most unwelcome lines, wrinkles, and discolouration, that's the sign of damage already at play.

Reality Check

You can reduce it's appearance but you will never be able to undo it entirely. That magic eraser is still awaited eagerly by medical research.

The Big Question

Do over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams really reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? The answer depends on many factors.

Many wrinkle creams and lotions sold in at the department stores on the Internet promise to reduce wrinkles and prevent or reverse damage caused by the sun.

Consider these points when judging the merits of using a wrinkle cream:

Do they work? Research suggests that some anti-wrinkle creams contain ingredients that may improve the appearance of wrinkles. But many of these ingredients haven't undergone scientific research to prove this benefit.

Because the FDA doesn't evaluate cosmetic products for effectiveness, there's no guarantee that any over-the-counter product will reduce your wrinkles.

If you're looking for a face-lift in a bottle, you probably won't find it in over-the-counter (non-prescription) wrinkle creams.

"As we age, the turnover of our skin cells reduces, and anti-ageing creams try to regulate this turnover."

What one should be careful of before trying an anti-ageing product is that there are many factors at play. For instance, skin type - there is dry , oily, normal and combination skin, and the same product may not be suitable for all. A lot of companies promote different brands of these anti-ageing creams and products through their suggestions and advertising.

Side effects

Some products may cause skin irritation, rashes, burning or redness.

  • Individual differences

Just because your friend swears by a product doesn't mean it will work for you. People have different skin types. No one product works the same for everyone.

  • Look for ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams

The effectiveness of anti-wrinkle creams depends in part on the active ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that may result in slight to modest improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.

  • Retinol
    Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative Tretinoin. Tretinoin is available only by prescription. Avoid vitamin A derivatives if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, because they may increase the risk of birth defects. It is not effective for all and many can develop a severe reaction with this specially if applied just before going out in sun.
  • Hydroxy acids
    Alpha Hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants — substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. Because hydroxy acids increase your susceptibility to sun damage, always wear sunscreen during use and for at least one week afterward.
  • Coenzyme Q10
    Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells.
  • Copper Peptides
    Copper is a trace element found in every cell. In products applied to the skin, it's combined with small protein fragments called peptides.
  • Mona
    It may improve the appearance of wrinkles and uneven pigmentation with minimal irritation. It reduces wrinkles by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen.
  • Tea extracts
    Green tea extracts are the ones most commonly found in wrinkle creams.

The Key is that usage of all anti-ageing products should be taken under medical supervision because sometimes the results can be disastrous - and one may actually invite a host of harmful side effects in the bargain.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh based dermatologist)

All that Jaz

While Honey Singh is climbing the charts of popularity, others aren’t left behind. Even before its release, Punjabi pop singer Jaz Dhami’s next album has garnered much appreciation online. His single High Heels featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh is the fourth most-watched YouTube videos of 2012. We caught up with the talented singer to talk about his upcoming album, Bollywood and more…

What’s the response to your latest song High Heels?

It's been amazing; the complete process of making the song to the video was a wicked experience in itself because I got to work with a team that understood my vision for the song. It's great to see that hard work pay off, it's particularly satisfying when you hear your song on the MP3 player of young kids at an airport or party when you least expect it.

How was working with Honey Singh? How is he as a person?

It was exciting and challenging. It took us a couple of sessions to get on the same page but when we clicked everything just fell into place. He has a great drive and that's one of things that made working together even better. He's a passionate producer and takes a lot of pride in what he does. 

Tell us more about your debut album.

My debut album JD actually released in 2009 - it was mainly targeted at my audience in the UK with songs like Thekewali and Bari Der. My second album is due to come out later in 2013. High Heels is first single from the album. Making this album has been a fantastic experience. I'm working with some very talented producers, including Dr Zeus, Tigerstyle, Jatinder Shah and Eren E. 

I heard that you’re being offered many Punjabi films. Any plans to act?

Yeah. I've had a couple of offers this year. I feel humbled that people are noticing my efforts but I plan to work hard on making music. Maybe I'll consider it some day. 

Given a chance to sing for one actor in Bollywood, who would it be and why?

That's a difficult question because I'm a fan of a few actors. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be Salman Khan. I like how Salman Khan comes across as a person. I think he's genuine and has a friendly approach; he does what's right for him and not to please the industry or the media. Of course we can't forget he's so cool man. 

What’s next for you?

Hopefully Bollywood, it's the ultimate ambition. I've dreamt of working in Bollywood from a young age and it'd be a dream come true if I got to do so.

Master Chef
Pudding & pie
Kandla Nijhowne

The air has got a chill and such cold winter evenings need warm food to comfort our tummies. No more rasmalaais and frozen desserts. We move over to steamy sensations, one of which I bring you today. Steamed Orange pudding is a delightful hot dish, light, airy and tangy. Serve it with whipped cream, ice cream or even hung yoghurt laced with zesty lemon curd.

Steamed Citrus Delight

  • 1 cup full fat milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1½ tbsp orange zest
  • ¾ cup maida
  • 1 tsp level, baking powder

Method

  • Sieve the maida and baking powder together.
  • Beat sugar and butter till thick and somewhat pale in colour
  • Separate the egg whites and yolks. Cover and keep aside the whites.
  • Blend in the yolks and vanilla into the whipped mixture.
  • Add orange zest and the sieved dry ingredients. Mix well but not excessively.
  • Stir in the milk and orange juice. Beat slightly to remove lumps if any.
  • Beat egg whites until light and fluffy.
  • Fold into the mix with a gentle hand so you don't knock the air out of the mixture.
  • Heat oven to 300 degree F.
  • Pour the batter into a cake tin or pudding basin.
  • Place the tin into a larger vessel filled with hot water, then slide into the oven. The simmering water will create the “sauna-effect', resulting in a light sponge !
  • Bake till set and golden, about 45-55 minutes

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

Intimate details

Hot mama Chitrangda Singh's next film Inkaar is about sexual harassment and she feels harassment at workplace happens anywhere and everywhere. She talks about how tough this movie was for her.

Chopping the hair

Cutting my hair was needed for my role, as it spans over seven years. My character goes on from an out-of-college graduate to becoming the head of a company. There is a definite change in the looks. Believe me, I was not keen to cut off my hair in the beginning. I was willing to go for any other kind of transformation. Finally, I did and the response to the act has been pretty good. And I like my new look and my hair is growing back too!

Intimate scenes

We did make a plan on how to go about it. It is very important for an actor to be comfortable while doing such scenes and Arjun (Rampal) made me comfortable. He is a true gentleman. Actually we met each other on a flight to Delhi and had a long conversation and it helped us build a rapport. I was nervous while enacting some sequences. I had a mental block. Arjun would keep the atmosphere light on the sets by cracking some jokes in between the shots. However, we still ended up doing several takes.

Harassment in Bollywood

It exists everywhere and this industry is no exception. However, I think it is comparatively lesser here than at other places. Nowadays for actresses, there is a lot of work available so you can decide who you want to work with and maintain your distance from others.

Uneasy moment: Chitrangda Singh

Naomi praises Aamir

Aamir Khan’s TV debut Satyamev Jayate has not only stirred the entire nation but the show has also left a great impact in the West and one of the Hollywood celebrities who is highly influenced by the show is Naomi Watts.

She expressed her ardent desire to participate on Aamir’s show Satyamev Jayate and create awareness about the rehabilitation of tsunami and earthquake victims.

“I would like to participate in Aamir Khan’s show, which is a fantastic platform, to create awareness about the rehabilitation of tsunami and earthquake victims. It’s been eight years since this tragedy affected so many lives and many are still suffering. There is a sense of urgency required to create awareness for these victims. And, I was told that Aamir Khan’s show has a huge following in India; I think that’s one way to induce people to come forward and help in their own way,” said the 44-year-old, who will be seen playing the role of a real life tsunami survivour, Maria Belon in her new flick, The Impossible.

The Impossible is based on the true story of a Spanish family who faced the natural disaster in 2004 while vacationing in Thailand. The film will be shown in Indian theatres this week and Watts is planning to come to India to promote her new flick and at the same time meet the real life tsunami victims here.

Amitabh-Vidya hottest vegetarian

The competition to be named People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India's Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity of 2012 was fierce, with early leaders Neha Dhupia and Shahid Kapoor as well as Sonu Sood, Dhanush, Kareena Kapoor and Hema Malini putting up a real fight.

But now, after thousands of votes were cast to help choose the winners, the results are in, with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and The Dirty Picture star Vidya Balan taking top honours.

"More and more of India's hottest stars are choosing to keep meat off their plates, and when you look at Amitabh and Vidya, it's easy to see why," says PETA India Chief Executive Officer Poorva Joshipura.

"All of PETA India's nominees are great examples of how vegetarian meals help us stay in top physical shape."

Bachchan has been named PETA India's Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity three times and even won the crown in PETA Asia's equivalent contest last year. And Balan, who was PETA India's Hottest Vegetarian of 2010, says, "I am a vegetarian … as a result, my metabolism has improved, and this is a huge contributor to weight loss".





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